tadpole shrimps, genus Triops, are small crustaceans that inhabit temporary pools. short lived creatures, they grow fast and eat anything. they lay many dormant eggs before being killed by their pond drying. dormant eggs can tolerate boiling and freezing, and can be stored dry indefinitely. upon rehydration the eggs hatch and the cycle repeats.
they are popular in kits for children and make interesting pets
ive tried to rear these many times, usually failing
usually, if any hatch, they live a few days and get about a third of an inch before suddenly dying. i suspect it's water quality
anyway, i currently have a large female Triops named Sea Lion
she's nearly 3 months old now and was inadvertently reared in daphnia culture. maybe that's how i got her to live, didnt intend to rear her lol. i have since induced the daphnia to make resting eggs and let them die off. the daphnia tanks are drying now so i can just start new daphnia at a different time.
Sea Lion is doing well though. hoping she lays eggs. she lives in distilled water and eats bloodworms and algae tablets. not sure when she will die
cool pets though. hope to get progeny from.her